Friends, Family and a Christmas Party - 361/365

We had another busy day today!

Jim went and met some of his college friends at the Lanai Lounge in Boardman for lunch. A lot of them were home for the holidays, so they always try to get together. They had a great time chatting and reminiscing! He always likes to see his buddies. 

While he was doing that, Reagan and I had lunch with Nana, Pam, Zach and Gina. Zach and Gina came home for the evening to see some family up here. They were going to hang out at Nana's tonight, but we had plans to go up to Matt and Nikki's so they came up a little early to have lunch and to see us. It was so nice! We had a fun lunch at Inner Circle. 

This evening, we were off to Amherst for our annual cousin's Christmas Party. We rotate between our house, Nikki's and Adrienne's. This year it was Nikki's turn. 

She had an awesome spread of Chicken Parmesan, Salad and Wedding Soup. The rest of us brought other things. We brought a pepperoni roll and wings from Inner Circle and Adrienne brought the dessert. Sarah and Brian were there, too, so it was great to see them!

The kids had a blast running around. They girls were loving playing dress up. It was too cute! 

We buy gifts for the kids and then we do a funny $10.00 gift exchange for the adults. Jim and I ended up with wine and a lottery ticket. We really wanted to steal Nikki's Spaceship Earth mug that Adrienne bought, since we allow stealing in our exchange, but we were nice and let her keep it! 

Reagan got an Elsa singing doll that she just loves. It sings Let it Go in English and in other languages. It's so funny, but she absolutely loves when it sings in the other languages! She also got another one of Matt's hand drawn masterpieces. He did a special Anna and Elsa one for her. She just loves it and wants to bring it to her party!

Matt was so sweet and got Jim a special present just for him. He picked him up some Bernie Beer. It's Bernie Kosar's own beer he came out with. Jim loved his special present!

When we got home, some of Jim's friends had reconvened downtown for a little bit, with some of the ones that couldn't make it to lunch. We got home and he was still feeling awake, so he met them for a little bit. He had a great night!

We had a great day!

Jim and all his college friends.

 The princesses hugging!

 Jim and Matt having a Bernie Beer.

Niki and her Spaceship Earth mug. 

 Reagan opening her Elsa doll. 

Tackling the Mountains - 234/365

Today were starting our day off at Epcot! It was going to be a hot one, but we didn't care.

We were there nice and early for our character meal at Akershus in Norway. Reagan really seemed to enjoy the character interaction there the last time, so we were hoping it was the same.

Turns out, it was awesome as always. Snow White took Reagan's hand and led her around the room in the "Princess Parade." Reagan was on cloud nine! She loved it!

This afternoon, it was pretty hot, so we did decide to head back to the Lodge and enjoy some pool time. The couple times we have stayed at the Lodge we didn't really swim since it was just Jim and I. Reagan really took a liking to the little slide they have and went down about a billion times.

I had my new Nikon water camera, so I was able to get some awesome shots of her in the water.

This evening we were going to head over to Magic Kingdom to see if we could get her on Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in her "magic shoes." Sure enough, she was tall enough!

She LOVED both rides. She really took a liking to Splash Mountain. But she didn't like the little black vultures at the base of the big drop. She kind of ducked her head, but other than that she was brave.

Jim and I were a little nervous on Big Thunder Mountain because you kind of have to hold on to her. She feels like she would fall out even though you know she won't. I really clutch her though.

So proud of our brave girl. She is growing too fast!

One last thing we decided to do before heading back to the room was the Country Bear Jamboree. We NEVER take the time to do it, but we just happened to walk by as the last showing was starting. We wandered in and were three of eight people in there, so it was nice.

It really is a hoot because it is kind of dated. Reagan really liked it.

EPCOT!

Walking with Snow White

Swimming

First time on Splash Mountain!

First time on Big Thunder Mountain

Country Bear Jamboree